THIEF RIVER FALLS, Minn. (KFGO/Learfield) — The Red Lake Nation is expanding its cannabis business with two new dispensaries in Thief River Falls and West St. Paul.
The tribe signed a compact agreement with Gov. Tim Walz, becoming the latest to secure permission for cannabis sales beyond reservation boundaries.
“This partnership opens a new outlet for state-licensed cannabis businesses and honors the independence of the Red Lake Band,” said Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director Eric Taubel.
The Thief River Falls location is scheduled to open on New Year’s Eve, while the West St. Paul store will follow in January.
The legislature directed the agreements to strengthen health and safety, ensure equity, and provide financial benefits to both the state and tribal nations.
Minnesota’s eleven tribal nations have taken an early lead in the state’s adult-use cannabis market as state-licensed growers await their first harvest.
